In a bid to secure the future of kinder-aged children in regional Victoria, the Andrews Labor government has announced a $4.4 million investment as part of the Victorian Budget 2016/17.
Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos paid a visit to Waubra Children’s Service last week, one of approximately 100 kindergartens to benefit.
Like other rural kinders, covering basic operating costs has been a challenge due to low and fluctuating enrolments. Despite only having 10 children enrolled in its four-year-old program, the Waubra kinder will still be eligible for secure funding, meaning children will continue to have the option to be educated close to home.
“We’re delighted to be receiving this extremely valuable grant. This additional funding will be just so important for the Waubra community, making a real difference to our service and families,” said Eureka Community Kindergarten Association CEO Jo Guerts, a sentiment shared by Ms Mikakos.
“This is a huge win for Victoria’s rural communities. We’re getting on with making [Victoria an] Education State and this means no child missing out on quality kindergarten,” said Ms Mikakos.
Though funding quantity will still be dependent on the number of enrolments, kindergarten providers are being guaranteed monetary support, with eligible institutions in 2017 expected to be $5,000 to $50,000 better off when compared with 2015.
“We’ve listened to rural families and acted to make sure all Victorian kids get the quality early years education they deserve, no matter where they live,” said Ms Mikakos.
The funding package is in addition to the government’s $500,000 package for small rural kinders announced in December 2015.